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There has not been a Quarterback debate this fun in the NFL in a long time. Everyone has an opinion on Tim Tebow’s fitness to lead an NFL team. Let’s take a look at some of the positives and negatives of Tebow as a pro Quarterback.

POSITIVES

1. Defensive Unfamiliarity

NFL defenses do not see option attacks – either from under center or in the shotgun – very often, except as an occasional play. This is a distinct advantage for Tebow and the Broncos. The convention and roster makeup of NFL teams does not allow for simple practice preparation for a read-based option offense. The less familiar an opposing defense is with an offensive scheme, the greater the advantage for the offense.

2. Rushing Yardage as a Weapon

The criticisms made of Tebow as an NFL passer often focus on his low passing yardage, on average. This is a shortsighted formula for evaluating an athlete like Tebow. Given the average NFL QB’s typical 10 yards per game in rushing, Tebow’s ground productivity (roughly 55 yards per game in 2011) has to be added to his passing totals to get a true picture of his value. Even with those numbers added together in 2011, Tebow still only averages barely 200 yards per game. BUT, when factoring in the non-measurable benefit of an option-style offense’s impact on defensive units’ alignment and aggressiveness, Tebow clearly has an impact that a traditional pro-style Quarterback does not.

3. Tebow Makes “Good” Mistakes

Thus far in his first real NFL season, Tebow’s poorest throws almost always fall incomplete, with the Broncos retaining possession and able to snap the ball again. Maintaining possession in the NFL is a key statistic. A common statement regarding Tebow is that he does not have INTs because he does not throw the ball enough. Again, this is a flawed and inaccurate logic. The top ten rated passers in the NFL this season have an INT percentage of roughly 2.25% combined. Tebow’s INT percentage thus far is 0.63%. Of course, there are multiple variables that can influence such a stat, but the same is true for the rest of the league’s Quarterbacks, as well. Tebow’s early-career vision is frequently sold short. He sees run lanes (and sometimes passing lanes, as well) with competence, which has been aided by a collegiate career spent entirely in the shotgun making the most sophisticated reads of any NCAA team that runs a zone option scheme.

4. Potential Physical Improvement

I still think Tebow’s issues are mechanical more than mental. He has an aptitude for the position, but lacks NFL-caliber skill as a passer. There is the potential that that can develop, and if Tebow dedicates himself to refinement as a passer, he will be among the most difficult players in the NFL to defend.

NEGATIVES

1. Potential Injury & Roster Impact

Health at the Broncos’ QB position is uniquely important, in that an injury to Tebow could make any attempt to run a zone read scheme virtually impossible. Tebow is an unusual body and skill type for an NFL QB, and replacing him from within during the season could prove difficult.

2. Defensive Adjustment

While familiarity with option-style attacks is not prevalent among pro defenses vs. those in the college ranks, the physical ability to adapt is at its most refined on the NFL level. Once the learning curve for defending option football improves (and it will, because NFL offensive minds are often copycats), we will see marquee defenders (DEs and LBs, in particular) enjoying more success in masking reads and closing on the ball.

3. Reacting to Losing

Tebow’s unconventional style and skillset are more than tolerable during a winning streak. If and when the Broncos hit hard times, Tebow’s play will be a flashpoint for criticism. The Broncos’ VP of Football Ops, John Elway, has even voiced his concerns regarding Tebow’s passing technique publicly. Focusing on football will be difficult for the entire Broncos franchise if there is prolonged losing on Tebow’s watch.

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About Chris Johnston

The Complete QB Team Clinics and Individual Coaching Sessions are provided by the Complete QB Founder and Director, Christopher Johnston. For over a decade, Coach Johnston has trained young men in the Quarterback position, including high school Quarterbacks who earned HCIAA Honors in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008. His success with Quarterbacks is due to Coach Johnston's approach as a teacher of those playing the position.
Coach Johnston was previously the QB and DB Coach at Hudson Catholic Regional High School (2007 Group 3 State Semi-Finalist and 2008 Group 2 State Finalist) in Jersey City, New Jersey. Coach Johnston also served as the Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach, and Quarterbacks Coach at Xavier High School in New York, New York. Coach Johnston's assessment and coaching skills have earned him a solid reputation for his ability to develop Quarterbacks among his coaching peers and thousands of athletes.
Since 2004, in addition to his on-field coaching experience, Coach Johnston's expertise has afforded him multiple opportunities to appear regularly on a variety of Sports Talk Radio Shows regarding the NCAA and NFL Quarterback play. More from Chris Johnston

Lombardi’s Way - A column from the 24×7 founder that focuses on the Ravens, the NFL, Baltimore, the world of sports or life’s inspirations.

Word on The Street - In the spirit of the CBS Sports Minute with Boomer Esiason, RSR brings you Word on The Street, a 90 second (or less) podcast on topics exclusively relating to the Baltimore Ravens.

Ravens Links - We’ll give you the best stories about the Ravens from around the web three times per week.

The Fanimal - If you are an animal about the Baltimore Ravens, then you are a Fanimal! Follow the Russell Street Report blog Fanimal Crackers!

The Edgar Awards - The Edgar Awards will range from the Maryland county that is home to the best Ravens fans to the best Ravens podcast; from the best collection of displaced fans to the best local craft brews that should be part of your next tailgating party.

The Road to RSR - Our writers explains their journeys as fans and how they came to write for our little corner of sports media.